The Fictional Moms I Want to Be

Friday, May 06, 2016

This Sunday is the wonderful Hallmark holiday, Mother's Day. I've only been a mother for a few short years, but already I can see how challenging it can be. Sometimes I just wish that this all came with a manual and a guru that I could turn to when times get hard. I'm lucky in that I have some real-life motherhood role models, but whenever they aren't around I try to channel one of these five fictional mothers.

1 | Miss Honey (Matilda):

I use to daydream what it would be like to be raised by Miss Honey. In my opinion, she is a saint. She takes in this weird girl with extraordinary powers and terrible parents and gives her this life full of play and creativity. I love how she was able to see Matilda's potential and how she strove to nuture that potential with such kindness and patience. Whenever I find myself having a particularly challenging day I like to ask myself, "What would Miss Honey do?"

2 | Molly Weasley (Harry Potter):

There is so much about Mrs. Weasley that I try to channel with my own parenting. I adore how welcoming and kind she is. She makes others feel at ease in her home and radiates love. She is also fiercely protective of her family and her children know how much she loves them. I could probably go on and on about Molly, but I'll just say one more thing. This is a woman who knows how to be creative and resourceful. When I sit down to budget I sometimes find myself wondering how Mrs. Weasley would make those funds stretch.

3 | Lorelai Gilmore (Gilmore Girls):

My husband is not a fan of Lorelai because he think she tries to hard to be a friend instead of a parent. I can kind of see that, but I think Lorelai is pretty good about parenting when she needs to be. She's on this list because while I love the relationship Rory and Lorelai have, what I love most are the reasons why they are so close. They have traditions that they keep on a weekly basis. She makes time for Rory which is something I have to remind my workaholic side to do with my own little. I also really love that Lorelai is so easygoing. She's a fun person to be around and I hope that my little thinks the same of me.

4 | Marme (Little Women):

This woman is strength personified. She is her family's rock and a pillar in the community. She is a fantastic example for her children and they grow up to be such amazing people, largely in part, because of her. I hope to become more of an example of love and service for my own children.

5 | Kitty Forman (That 70s Show):

If you have ever seen this show then I'm willing to bet you remember Kitty's laugh. She has the ability to laugh through every kind of situation. Sure, some of the laughs are to get through an awkward situation, but they are laughs just the same. It can be really easy to forget to laugh when you're having a hard day, but I try everyday to not sweat the small stuff and laugh at least once during the day.